Report: Alex Smith will request release before free agency

NEW ORLEANS — What could the 49ers receive in return if they traded Alex Smith?

If they grant their backup quarterback’s reported wish, they’ll never find out.

Smith will ask for his release before free agency begins on March 12, ProFootballTalk.com reported. If released, Smith, obviously, would have more control over his future place of employment.

Smith, who earned $8 million this season, is scheduled to earn $7.5 million in 2013, with $1 million guaranteed. If he remains on the roster April 1, the remaining $6.5 million would be guaranteed. If Smith is released, of course, he would work out a new contract with his new team.

After completing 70.2 percent of his passes and posting a 104.1 passer rating in nine starts in 2012, Smith would likely receive interest from quarterback-needy teams such as the Cardinals, Jets, Jaguars and Chiefs. Another potential landing spot is Cleveland, where Norv Turner is the Browns new offensive coordinator. Smith and Turner forged a close relationship in 2006 when Turner was the 49ers offensive coordinator. Smith made significant strides under Turner’s tutelage after a disastrous rookie season.

The 49ers are under no obligation to grant Smith’s release. The NFL is not a sentimental business, but it’s possible to envision the Niners rewarding Smith, a loyal member of the organization since 2005 who handled his demotion this season with class. Colin Kaepernick assumed the starting role after Smith was sidelined by a concussion on Nov. 11 against the Rams.

Quarterback Alex Smith leaves the field after a game against the visiting Detroit Lions at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. The Niners defeated the Lions 27-19.

Quarterback Alex Smith leaves the field after a game against the visiting Detroit Lions at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. The Niners defeated the Lions 27-19.

Photo: Stephen Lam / Special to The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Alex Smith (11) warm up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Alex Smith (11) warm up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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Alex Smith got his nose bloodied after a run that was called back on a penalty in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Detroit Lions 27-19 at Candlestick Park Sunday September 16, 2012.

Alex Smith got his nose bloodied after a run that was called back on a penalty in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Detroit Lions 27-19 at Candlestick Park Sunday September 16, 2012.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh hugs quarterback Alex Smith after a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 7th, 2012.

49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh hugs quarterback Alex Smith after a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 7th, 2012.

Photo: John Storey / Special to the Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith listens during a news conference at the NFL football team's training facility in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, May 10, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith listens during a news conference at the NFL football team's training facility in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, May 10, 2012.

Photo: Paul Sakuma / Associated Press

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Quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday November 11, 2012.

Quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday November 11, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh meets with quarterback Alex Smith (11) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012. less

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh meets with quarterback Alex Smith (11) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game in San ... more

Photo: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press

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Alex Smith is sacked by Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers during the NFL season opener at Lambeau Field on September 9, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Alex Smith is sacked by Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers during the NFL season opener at Lambeau Field on September 9, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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49ers' quarterback Alex Smith, speaks to the media during a press conference, as the San Francisco 49ers hold training camp on Friday July 27, 2012, in Santa Clara, Calif.

49ers' quarterback Alex Smith, speaks to the media during a press conference, as the San Francisco 49ers hold training camp on Friday July 27, 2012, in Santa Clara, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers quarterback Alex Smith greeted Giants fans. The San Francisco Giants celebrated their second World Series title in three years with a parade down Market Street Wednesday October 31, 2012.

49ers quarterback Alex Smith greeted Giants fans. The San Francisco Giants celebrated their second World Series title in three years with a parade down Market Street Wednesday October 31, 2012.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Bill Feig / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) smiles at the end of their 32-7 win over the Chicago Bears in an NFL football game in San Francisco, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) smiles at the end of their 32-7 win over the Chicago Bears in an NFL football game in San Francisco, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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Quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the second half. The San Francisco 49ers play the New York Giants at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday October 14, 2012.

Quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the second half. The San Francisco 49ers play the New York Giants at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday October 14, 2012.

Photo: Stephen Lam / Special to The Chronicle

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Quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game agaisnt the New York Giants at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday October 14, 2012.

Quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game agaisnt the New York Giants at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday October 14, 2012.

Photo: Stephen Lam / Special to The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs against New York Giants outside linebacker Michael Boley (59) during the first half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs against New York Giants outside linebacker Michael Boley (59) during the first half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.

Photo: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) thows a pass away from New York Jets' Yeremiah Bell (37) as teammate Kendall Hunter (32) blocks during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. the 49ers won the game 34-0. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) thows a pass away from New York Jets' Yeremiah Bell (37) as teammate Kendall Hunter (32) blocks during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, ... more

Photo: Bill Kostroun / AP

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith reacts after an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. the 49ers won the game 34-0.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith reacts after an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. the 49ers won the game 34-0.

Photo: Kathy Willens / AP

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Minneapolis.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Minneapolis.

Photo: Genevieve Ross / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, left, celebrates with teammate quarterback Alex Smith, right, after their team scored a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Minneapolis. less

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, left, celebrates with teammate quarterback Alex Smith, right, after their team scored a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the ... more

Photo: Genevieve Ross / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) calls a play in the huddle during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Minneapolis.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) calls a play in the huddle during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Minneapolis.

Photo: Genevieve Ross / Associated Press

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Colin Kaepernick shared a light moment near the end of the game with Michael Crabtree 15 and Carlos Rogers 22. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 32-7 at Candlestick Park Monday November 19, 2012. less

Colin Kaepernick shared a light moment near the end of the game with Michael Crabtree 15 and Carlos Rogers 22. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 32-7 at Candlestick Park Monday November 19, ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers' Alex Smith drops back to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. The 49ers won 30-22.

San Francisco 49ers' Alex Smith drops back to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. The 49ers won 30-22.

Photo: Tom Lynn / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers' Randy Moss is congratulated by quarterback Alex Smith after Moss caught a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. less

San Francisco 49ers' Randy Moss is congratulated by quarterback Alex Smith after Moss caught a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, ... more

Photo: Mike Roemer / Associated Press

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Matt Cain got a handshake from 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh as Alex Smith (left) looked on. The San Francisco Giants celebrated their second World Series title in three years with a parade down Market Street Wednesday October 31, 2012. less

Matt Cain got a handshake from 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh as Alex Smith (left) looked on. The San Francisco Giants celebrated their second World Series title in three years with a parade down Market Street ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis.

Photo: Matt Ludtke / SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, right, and Detroit Lions defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, left, are seen in action during the second quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, right, and Detroit Lions defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, left, are seen in action during the second quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith has a cut on his nose at the end of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. San Francisco won 27-19.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith has a cut on his nose at the end of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. San Francisco won 27-19.

Photo: Tony Avelar / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Bill Feig / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) gestures after his second start in an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. The 49ers defeated the Saints 31-21. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) gestures after his second start in an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. The 49ers defeated the Saints ... more

Photo: Bill Feig / Associated Press

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.